SKU: 84963412900

The Pope and Mussolini: The Secret History of Pius XI and the Rise of Fascism in Europe

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The Pope and Mussolini: The Secret History of Pius XI and the Rise of Fascism in EuropePULITZER PRIZE WINNER NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE From National Book Award finalist David I. Kertzer comes the gripping story of Pope Pius XI's secret relations with Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. This groundbreaking work, based on seven years of research in the Vatican and Fascist archives, including reports from Mussolini's spies inside the highest levels of the Church, will forever change our understanding

PULITZER PRIZE WINNER - NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE

From National Book Award finalist David I. Kertzer comes the gripping story of Pope Pius XI's secret relations with Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. This groundbreaking work, based on seven years of research in the Vatican and Fascist archives, including reports from Mussolini's spies inside the highest levels of the Church, will forever change our understanding of the Vatican's role in the rise of Fascism in Europe.


The Pope and Mussolini tells the story of two men who came to power in 1922, and together changed the course of twentieth-century history. In most respects, they could not have been more different. One was scholarly and devout, the other thuggish and profane. Yet Pius XI and "Il Duce" had many things in common. They shared a distrust of democracy and a visceral hatred of Communism. Both were prone to sudden fits of temper and were fiercely protective of the prerogatives of their office. ("We have many interests to protect," the Pope declared, soon after Mussolini seized control of the government in 1922.) Each relied on the other to consolidate his power and achieve his political goals.

In a challenge to the conventional history of this period, in which a heroic Church does battle with the Fascist regime, Kertzer shows how Pius XI played a crucial role in making Mussolini's dictatorship possible and keeping him in power. In exchange for Vatican support, Mussolini restored many of the privileges the Church had lost and gave in to the pope's demands that the police enforce Catholic morality. Yet in the last years of his life--as the Italian dictator grew ever closer to Hitler--the pontiff's faith in this treacherous bargain started to waver. With his health failing, he began to lash out at the Duce and threatened to denounce Mussolini's anti-Semitic racial laws before it was too late. Horrified by the threat to the Church-Fascist alliance, the Vatican's inner circle, including the future Pope Pius XII, struggled to restrain the headstrong pope from destroying a partnership that had served both the Church and the dictator for many years.

The Pope and Mussolini brims with memorable portraits of the men who helped enable the reign of Fascism in Italy: Father Pietro Tacchi Venturi, Pius's personal emissary to the dictator, a wily anti-Semite known as Mussolini's Rasputin; Victor Emmanuel III, the king of Italy, an object of widespread derision who lacked the stature--literally and figuratively--to stand up to the domineering Duce; and Cardinal Secretary of State Eugenio Pacelli, whose political skills and ambition made him Mussolini's most powerful ally inside the Vatican, and positioned him to succeed the pontiff as the controversial Pius XII, whose actions during World War II would be subject for debate for decades to come.

With the recent opening of the Vatican archives covering Pius XI's papacy, the full story of the Pope's complex relationship with his Fascist partner can finally be told. Vivid, dramatic, with surprises at every turn, The Pope and Mussolini is history writ large and with the lightning hand of truth.

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Random House Trade
Published: 01/06/2015
ISBN: 9780812983678
Pages: 592
Weight: 1.35lbs
Size: 9.00h x 5.90w x 1.40d

Review Citations: New York Review of Books 04/23/2015 pg. 48
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SKU: 84963412900

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A
Amazon Customer
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 5
Crawfish that cleans her teeth and tastes like bacon, enough said.
Size: Medium & Large, Color: Red Scorpion, Size: Medium & Large, Color: Red Scorpion
This chew toy is for a medium to large-sized dog and smells like bacon, and who doesn't love bacon? The toy has a heavy-duty safe for dogs nylon core, making it virtually indestructible for aggressive, all-day chewers like my dog. I am from Louisiana, and I love all things crawfish. I thought if she didn't like it, then I could use it to decorate for crawfish parties, but she loves this toy. There is a groove for treats like peanut butter or cheese, whatever your dog is into. My dog likes carrying it around, but I don't think she understands to chew on it yet. However, she must love the bacon taste in her mouth because she hardly takes it out. I wanted her to chew on it to help clean her teeth; maybe in time, she will start. This toy is dishwasher safe after rinsing it off with soapy warm water. Just place it on the top rack and turn it on. The crawfish is smooth and non-porous, so there are no spots for bacteria to hide. I really like this crawfish, and I hope that in time my little weirdo will understand that it is meant to be chewed, not sucked on. I highly recommend this for larger dogs that love to chew, and I am happy with this order.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2026
J
Joe’s Garage
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 1
Our dogs wouldn’t touch this chew toy
Size: Medium & Large, Color: Red Scorpion, Size: Medium & Large, Color: Red Scorpion
I ordered this Bacon Flavored Nylon Chew Toy for my boxer mix dog. She sniffed it and wouldn’t have anything to do with it. We waited a day and still no luck. We figured that we would give it to our pit bull because she can annihilate a chew toy. Nope, she wouldn’t touch it. The thing looks like a big chunk of plastic with a very faint smell of bacon. Based on our experience with this product I cannot recommend it.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2026
K
KandS
Boise, US
★★★★★ 5
Surprisingly Tough Chew Toy for Aggressive Chewers
Size: Medium & Large, Color: Red Scorpion, Size: Medium & Large, Color: Red Scorpion
This chew toy is made from a very hard nylon style material and feels substantially tougher than the average dog toy. It definitely seems geared toward aggressive chewers and larger dogs that destroy softer toys quickly. Our pup immediately liked it, especially with the peanut butter groove feature, which helped keep them interested longer. The toy feels almost indestructible during normal chewing sessions and has held up very well so far with no major gouges, cracks, or chunks coming off. Based on first impressions, I would expect this to last at least a month or more for many dogs, which is far better than a lot of chew toys in this price range. Another nice bonus is that it is dishwasher safe, making cleanup easy after using peanut butter or other treats in the groove. As for the teeth cleaning claim, I honestly cannot comment much on that yet. I have not personally noticed any obvious difference in our dog’s teeth or dental condition from using it. Still, as a durable boredom relief chew toy for aggressive chewers, it has been a solid performer so far and seems like a good value.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2026
M
Mia’s-Vine-xperience
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 5
My dog approves
Size: Medium & Large, Color: Red Scorpion, Size: Medium & Large, Color: Red Scorpion
My dog absolutely loves these flavored chew bones! She’s a very aggressive chewer, and this toy has held up really well to her constant chewing. It keeps her entertained for a long time and seems to be one of her favorite toys. I also love the unique scorpion shape. Living in the desert, we see scorpions pretty often, so I thought it was a funny and fitting design. While I don’t expect it to turn her into a scorpion hunter, it definitely adds a fun touch! The flavor keeps her interested, and the durable material makes it a great option for heavy chewers. Overall, a great toy that has been a huge hit with my pup. Will definitely be purchasing more!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2026
W
Whoknew?
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 5
Cheaper than shoes!
Size: Medium & Large, Color: Red Scorpion, Size: Medium & Large, Color: Red Scorpion
Instant hit with a dog that likes chewing shoes! This is a much cheaper alternative than a new pair of shoes. They state it is indestructible but at the same time the directions state when it reaches a certain chewed up point to take it away. So obviously this is destructible but it does allow for a lot of chewing. I can not personally attest to the flavor but it must be good because the dog wanted this chew before i even unwrapped it. It is somewhat ugly in both color and shape but I have had no complaints from the dog! I also appreciate that this can be put in the dishwasher to clean. To be honest i have never considered that with other toys and I do appreciate that it can be placed in the dishwasher. Most importantly, this lasts, the dog is in love with this, there are multiple limbs for the dog to chew. It’s his new favorite toy and worth every bit of the cost!
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Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2026

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